Pinellas County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- HVAC unit noise limit
- 60 dBA at nearest property line, any time
- General daytime residential limit
- 72 dBA, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Quiet-hours residential limit
- 55 dBA, before 7 a.m./after 11 p.m.
- Multifamily overnight limit
- 40 dBA, 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Waivers
- Only for industrial/commercial noise, max 180 days
- Max fine
- $500, continuing daily violation
Summary
Unincorporated Pinellas County caps noise from a residential air conditioning, heating or ventilating unit at 60 dBA, measured at the nearest adjacent property line, at any time of day. That's stricter than the general 72 dBA daytime and 55 dBA quiet-hours limits that apply to other residential noise.
(a)...it shall be unlawful to create or allow to be created any noise within a residential zone that exceeds 72 dBA during the hours between 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., measured at the nearest adjacent property line.(b)...it shall be unlawful to create or allow to be created any noise within a residential zone that exceeds 55 dBA during quiet hours, measured at the nearest adjacent property line, except where a temporary waiver has been authorized pursuant to Section 58-448.(c)It shall be unlawful to operate or permit to be operated any air conditioning, heating or ventilating unit at any time that produces a noise exceeding 60 dBA, measured at the nearest adjacent property line.(d)In the case of multifamily dwelling units, it shall be unlawful to create or permit to be created any noise that exceeds 55 dBA during the hours between 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., or 40 dBA during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., daily, measured from a neighbor's dwelling.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124).
Full Breakdown
Pinellas County Code § 58-451, part of the county's noise article, sets tiered limits for unincorporated residential zones; incorporated cities enforce their own noise codes. , measured at the nearest adjacent property line. , unless a temporary waiver was granted under § 58-448. Subsection (c) singles out mechanical equipment: it is unlawful to operate an air conditioning, heating or ventilating unit at any time that produces noise exceeding 60 dBA at the nearest property line, a stricter, time-independent cap that applies day and night. Multifamily units get their own standard under (d): noise may not exceed 55 dBA during the day or 40 dBA overnight, measured from a neighbor's dwelling.
Waivers under § 58-448 are available only for noise generated in industrial or commercial zones, capped at 180 days and renewable, so a residential HVAC unit cannot obtain a waiver from the 60 dBA cap. ch. 162 for a violation that is itinerant or transient in nature without first allowing a cure period.
Violations & Fines
Operating an HVAC unit above 60 dBA at the property line violates § 58-451(c) and § 58-443, and is punishable under the general penalty section, § 1-8, by a fine of up to $500, with each day the noise continues treated as a separate offense; the county can also pursue injunctive relief in circuit court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my air conditioner be under Pinellas County's noise rules?
Can I get a waiver if my HVAC unit runs louder than 60 dBA?
How do I report a neighbor's noisy AC unit?
Is the HVAC limit different for apartments?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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